Robert Morris seeks to build $28M hockey arena

Robert Morris University wants to build a $28 million arena on campus for its Division I men’s and women’s hockey programs and is seeking $10 million from the state for the project.

If it comes to fruition, the state-of- the-art venue would hold 2,500 people through general spectator seats “with premium seating,” according to a grant application submitted by RMU to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

The building would hold twice as many spectators as the current Clearview Arena in the RMU Island Sports Center in Neville Island.

Potential on-campus sites for the arena were not identified. The application states that additional parking would be required.

The 100,000-square-foot development also would house enhanced training and locker room facilities, offices, plus regional amenities to meet the needs of youth and amateur hockey players. The application envisions 18 months of construction that could be completed in summer 2027, prior to the Colonials’ 2027-28 hockey seasons.

In response to an inquiry about the application, the university released a statement Sunday evening from RMU Vice President and Director of Athletics Chris King. It confirmed that the school is “actively exploring” the arena.

“This strategic initiative represents a blending of our pursuit of competitive excellence with our ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the greater community,” the statement read in part. “The new arena would serve as a vital source of revenue, crucial for the long-term sustainability of our Division I ice hockey programs, whose resurgence has been fueled by fundraising support. “

He added that “it would significantly expand local access to top-tier ice facilities for youth and women’s hockey programs in our region in combination with our existing facilities at the RMU Island Sports Center.”

A new home for the Colonials would continue a dramatic turnaround in fortunes from May 2021, when the private college of approximately 3,500 students announced it was discontinuing both programs. Amid an uproar from program supporters, the university reversed course and later reinstated Division I hockey for the 2023-24 season.

The state funds would be through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). It is a commonwealth grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the design, acquisition and construction of a regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement project, according to the DCED’s website.

In the application, submitted by officials including Robert Morris President Michelle Patrick, the university states the arena would benefit both the campus and region.

“The project will bolster regional economic development efforts through attendees to athletic events,” it states. “The project will also attract prospective students and families to the region.”

It also said, “As a showplace venue, it draws additional events to campus, contributing to the region’s vibrancy and enhancing the overall campus experience, a concern the university is constantly looking to address.”

RMU says its NCAA Division I athletics programs “bring national media exposure, and an attractive modern facility will elevate the school’s image.”

RMU leadership will commence meetings with an architectural firm to begin design within a year of receipt of the project funding to determine the arena’s build-out, hard cost, and schematics, according to the application.

“The facility project will require two sheets of ice to maximize the institution’s annual revenue opportunities and provide a practice facility for the RMU D1 Hockey programs,” the application stated.

Officials said the university and its Board of Trustees will initiate a supplementary $18 million campaign in capital investment, corporate naming partners, and donor investment to fund the project entirely.